Tag: dogs

It’s been just over three years since my little Yorkie, Sweetie, was killed at doggie daycare, all because no one expected a “nice dog” to attack her. That tragedy should never have happened, but it did, and it taught me a very valuable lesson. When it comes to little dogs, you can never let your guard down.

I’ve had it happen more than once — the “nice dog” that comes charging at my little dog from out of nowhere. Not long after adopting another Yorkie, a male with a sweet disposition, I found myself fending off an attack by a bulldog. “Gee,” said the surprised woman standing there as I pushed her dog off mine, “she usually only goes after female dogs.” A dog with a known habit for attacking other dogs was off-leash? It’s an accident waiting to happen. (And making a statement like that after your dog attacks mine is likely to get you hauled into court for irresponsible behavior, especially because you’ve acknowledged your dog’s aggression on previous occasions. )

Today, as I was walking my little dog in a nice neighborhood, enjoying the fine spring day, I never saw the attack coming until it was too late. My little guy was leashed, wearing his harness. Suddenly, I heard shouting. Someone seemed upset, so I turned to track the noise. Much to my horror, I found a white poodle charging us. Desperately trying to grab my dog as this “nice dog” lunged for him, I fully expected the owner to step in and deal with his dog’s aggressive behavior. Instead, I found myself on my own, using that life-saving harness to pull my dog from harm’s way. Without that owner’s help, I had no choice but to protect my dog the second that dog tried to bite him. And that’s what big dog owners need to know about little dog owners like me. I am not afraid of your dog. I’m afraid of what your dog will do to mine. And that means that I am going to do whatever I have to in order to keep my dog safe when your dog attacks.

Vets and dog trainers will tell you that you can’t ever really trust dogs to get along on their own. Even that “nice dog” will become a domineering aggressor if he (or she) perceives the situation to involve prey. And for too many big dogs, that’s exactly what little dogs appear to be.

In this case, the dog ignored not only his owner’s commands, but mine as well. “No, damn it!” The only way for me to get the dog to retreat was to use force. That, in and of itself, creates a huge liability for the owner. While many people presume there are no real consequences when dogs tangle, even big ones going after little ones, there is a much more serious issue to consider. If I am injured because I am trying to protect my dog from an attack by your dog, you can be fined. In this state, it’s a minimum of $1,000. But more importantly, if I am injured while protecting my dog, you’re going to be paying the medical bills. I can also sue you for putting me in that position, not only for pain and suffering I experience because you failed to control your dog, but also for the emotional trauma of the attack.

But the real bottom line is this. If your big dog attacks my little dog, your dog may have to be put to death. Is it the result of your dog being unsociable? No. It’s the result of you not being a responsible dog owner, providing effective training, exercise, and control of your dog. Is that what you really want?

As a responsible dog owner, I am vigilant in not only protecting my own dog, but also in trying to protect yours. I know that the poodle that attacked my dog today was probably not a vicious dog. But I also know something else. When that dog owner finally corralled his dog and dragged him away, he never offered me an apology. In fact, he never said a word to me. He acted like it was no big deal that I actually had to resort to force to get his dog off mine. That’s antisocial behavior, not just from the dog, but more importantly from the owner. Responsible dog owners do the right thing because they respect all dogs, not just their own. They accept the job of not only keeping their own dogs safe, but all dogs.

Don’t assume that just because I have a little dog, I will be intimidated by your big brute. There’s no way I will stand by and allow your dog maul mine. When the dust finally settles, my dog will still be in one piece. Yours may not be. And I’m going to hold you accountable, not only for everything that happens to me and my dog, but also what happens to yours. There will be legal consequences. That’s your wake-up call to heel, my friend.

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As the author of several mystery series, I often feature dogs as characters. I am a big believer in pet adoption. Here are two of my free pet-friendly cozy mysteries for your reading pleasure: